Map



R. L. MORSE Jan. 31, 1933.

MAP

Filed Feb. 1, 1932 INVENTOR. gagyzww. I

Patented Jan. 31, 1933 UNITED STATES RALPH L. MORSE, OF SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS" MAI Application filed February 1, i932. serial 590,057.

This invention relates to improvements in the method of making maps and the product thereof.

The principal objects of the invention are 5 directed to the provision of a novel method for making a map which is not only curved to represent the curvature of the earths surface but it carries as well such geographical designations and indicia as presents a true representation of that portion of the earths surface which it is intended to represent.

According to another feature of the invention the map is made from separately formed map-sections which are joined together in a novel way and according to a further feature, of the invention the map sections are formed to illustrate the contour of that section of the earths surface which is represented by the map.

Various novel features and advantages of the invention will be more fully hereinafter referred to in connection with the accompanying description of the preferred form thereof reference being had to the accompanying drawing wherein:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a map made in accordance with the novel method of the invention and includes certain novel features,

Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1, and

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary sectional and perspective view through a mold for making map-sections according to the invention.

Referring now to the drawing more in detail the invention will be fully described.

In Fig. 1 there is represented a map 2 which may be formed from a plurality of separate map-sections, indicated by 4, 6, 8 and 10. The map-sections are preferably made separately and are subsequently joined together in the manner to be described as along the dotted lines indicated by 12.

By forming a map from several map-sections it facilitates the ready and easy formation of a unitary structure as isdesirable in order to manufacture the maps economically.

In Fig. 3 there is shown a section or a portion of a mold 14.- which has an upper curved surface 16. This surface is preferably 50 curved in such a way as to represent the curvature of the earthssurface andbears a correct re'lation to the geographical designations tobe applied to the surfaceof the map. Thissurface is provided withfcavif ties or depressions such as 18', 20-and other more orflesselevated portions22. Theseiare made in alltheir important respects so. as to illustrateat a relatively smallscale the contour of the earth or that part of the earths surface for which the particular mold is: to be i used. In the form of the invention shown itwill be desirable of course to provide a plurality of different molds inflorder-tomakethe sep- I arate sections. By employing a plurality of separate molds for separate map sections it is possible to make up a. maplusing as many of the sections as maybe desired." According to a'special feature of the invention moldingmaterial for thefmap-sections may be of any inexpensivemoldable material and this is poured into the mold so as to form a relatively thin layer." The material will flow in'to'the cavities so that thefmap-section whenmolded ha's'portions in reliefor pro' je-ctions such as mountains .24 and relatively lower partspfor'lakes 26,'etc. These correspondto the cavities 18, '20 and elevated portions 22. In this way a map section is formed in the moldso thatit willhave the. desired contour and natural uneven effect. Since the molds' surface 16' is curved the map section will be generally curved'a's is desired.

According to "another feature of the invention it is desired to' provide flanges such as 30 at marginal edges of the map-sections which may be prepared in some suitable manner, as by grinding so that the flanges may be secured together by an adhesive or other 1 means to thereby unite the adjacent sections and form a unitary map of any desired size from a plurality of relatively small sections. When the sections are joined together as shown, it may be desirable to embrace the same by a frame represented generally by 35. This will protect the edges of the map sections and at the same time bind the sections together as is desired.

By reference to the foregoing it will be observed that mapsections are formed not only to have the curvature of the earth but each section may have projections and indentations which are relatively so arranged as to be a true representation of that part of the earths surfaces which it is desired to represent. By making the map of several sec-' tions which may be joined together it is not only possible to provide unitary maps in an economical manner, but maps which are accurate in all their important respects.

With the sections made after the mannerv described and either before or after they are joined together the surface of the map sectionsmay be decorated or ornamented in.

some convenient manner' with geographical indicia. The indicia may indicatethe names of-cities such as Brill and Athol and the names ofjlakes and rivers such as Brill Lake or Swift River all. as shown. Different seetionsof the maps surface may be colored with different colors when, it is desired 7 to create different effects. The decorating may be done in various ways as by printing, stenciling,painting, or'otherwise as will best pro- 1 duce thedesired eflects.

Various changesmay be made in the form of the invention without departingfrom the spirit and scope thereof and therefore what I. desire tovclaim and secure by Letters Patent of, the United States is: i l

The method of making a map which consists in, forming separate relief map sections having flanges on their marginal edges by coatingw-ith plastic material separate. molds 4. having flanges'onitheir marginal edges, the

surfaces ofsaid molds being curved to represent the curve of the earths surface. and pro vided with cavities and ridges to: represent the contour of that section of the earths sur face which the mold represents, securing together the said marginal flanges, ofsaid separate'map sections to formva unitary map, the curved surfaces of said sections uniting to form aunitary map and co-operating with a each: otherto present a continuous surface having the curvature of the earths surface,

' and then applying geographical designations to said curved surface. 7

In testimony whereof I affix 111 Si nature. 7 RALPH L; 0 SE; 

